Which DAW did Grimes use early in her career?

Grimes used **Apple GarageBand [DAW]** during her early DIY phase.

What is Grimes's primary software for production today?

She primarily uses **Ableton Live** and **Ableton Live 12 [DAW]**.

Which synthesizers are central to Grimes's signature sound?

The **Roland Gaia SH-01** and **Roland JUNO-G** were key to her breakout sound on albums like Visions.

What sampler does Grimes use for live performance?

She is well known for using the **Roland SP-404SX** sampler.

Does Grimes use any traditional guitars?

Yes, she has been known to use a **Squier Stratocaster**.

What microphones does Grimes use for vocals?

She uses the **Avantone CV-12 [mic]** in the studio, a **Shure SM58** for live vocals, and a **3Dio Free Space Binaural Microphone** for specialized recordings.

How does Grimes process her vocals live?

She uses the **TC Helicon VoiceLive 2** vocal effects processor.

What headphones does Grimes use in the studio?

She has used both **Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO-80** and **Audio-Technica ATH-M50x** headphones.

Which MIDI controller does Grimes use?

She uses the **Arturia KeyLab 49** [midi].

What mastering software does Grimes utilize?

She uses the **iZotope Ozone 12** [mastering plugin].

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Grimes's gear: the instruments behind their career

As a singer, keyboardist, and music producer, Grimes utilizes a combination of synthesizers, samplers, and digital audio workstations to create her signature ethereal art-pop. Her sound is built upon intricate electronic layers and processed vocal textures, often produced in isolated, hands-on studio environments.

Early Underground and DIY Foundations

Emerging from Montreal's experimental scene in the late 2000s, Claire Boucher developed a DIY approach to electronic music. Early in her career, she relied on accessible tools to build her lo-fi foundations, including the Apple GarageBand [DAW] and a Casio CTK-691 keyboard. To manage her signal flow during these formative years, she utilised the Mackie 802-VLZ3 mixer and a Tascam US-144 mkII audio interface, allowing her to capture her nascent blend of industrial and synth-pop influences.

The Visions Era and Breakthrough Production

The 2012 breakout album *Visions* was famously recorded in near-isolation, a process that solidified Grimes's reputation as a self-sufficient producer. Central to her sound during this era were the Roland Gaia SH-01 and the Roland JUNO-G synthesizers, which provided the lush, electronic beds for her tracks. She heavily integrated the Roland SP-404SX sampler into her workflow for live performance and studio manipulation. To monitor her complex layering, she used Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO-80 headphones, ensuring the clarity of her high-pitched, ethereal vocals.

Vocal Processing and Studio Evolution

As her production evolved into high-concept art-pop, Grimes expanded her vocal and monitoring chain. She transitioned to using the Avantone CV-12 [mic] for studio tracking, while the classic Shure SM58 remained a staple for live environments. For experimental spatial recording, she has utilized the 3Dio Free Space Binaural Microphone. Her vocal chain often incorporates the TC Helicon VoiceLive 2 for real-time effects and harmony processing. In the studio, she upgraded her monitoring to the PMC TWOTWO.6 & 8 [studio monitor] setup, supplemented by Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones for detailed editing.

Digital Production and Performance Tools

Grimes's modern production workflow is centred on Ableton Live, including the latest Ableton Live 12 [DAW]. She uses an Apogee Duet 2 as a portable, high-quality interface alongside the Arturia KeyLab 49 for MIDI control. Her rhythmic elements are often bolstered by the Akai Professional MPC Studio Slimline and the Roland SPD-SX percussion pad. In terms of software synthesis and mastering, she employs the reFX Nexus 5 and iZotope Ozone 12. On the hardware side, she has integrated the Line 6 M9 Stompbox Modeler for multi-effects and the Mackie 802-VLZ4 for mixing duties, occasionally incorporating a Squier Stratocaster to add rock textures to her electronic arrangements.

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Frequently asked questions

Which DAW did Grimes use early in her career?: Grimes used **Apple GarageBand [DAW]** during her early DIY phase.
What is Grimes's primary software for production today?: She primarily uses **Ableton Live** and **Ableton Live 12 [DAW]**.
Which synthesizers are central to Grimes's signature sound?: The **Roland Gaia SH-01** and **Roland JUNO-G** were key to her breakout sound on albums like Visions.
What sampler does Grimes use for live performance?: She is well known for using the **Roland SP-404SX** sampler.
Does Grimes use any traditional guitars?: Yes, she has been known to use a **Squier Stratocaster**.
What microphones does Grimes use for vocals?: She uses the **Avantone CV-12 [mic]** in the studio, a **Shure SM58** for live vocals, and a **3Dio Free Space Binaural Microphone** for specialized recordings.
How does Grimes process her vocals live?: She uses the **TC Helicon VoiceLive 2** vocal effects processor.
What headphones does Grimes use in the studio?: She has used both **Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO-80** and **Audio-Technica ATH-M50x** headphones.
Which MIDI controller does Grimes use?: She uses the **Arturia KeyLab 49** [midi].
What mastering software does Grimes utilize?: She uses the **iZotope Ozone 12** [mastering plugin].

Last updated: 2026-10-18